By Seren Snow
UC Santa Barbara is proud to announce the 2025 cohort for the Public Voices Fellowship, a year-long program in partnership with The Op-Ed Project. While the fellowship draws scholars from across disciplines, this article highlights the faculty representing the Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) and Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences (MLPS) divisions within the College of Letters & Science, showcasing their impactful contributions. UCSB continues its commitment to expanding public knowledge by amplifying a variety of voices with a transformative initiative that began in 2014 and has been operating across campuses nationwide.
This year’s cohort of scholars are equipped with the resources, mentorship, and networks to bring their research to both national and international audiences, helping to shape the conversations that will define the future. These individuals represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, from neuroscience to cultural studies, and they are committed to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and public understanding.
Emily Jacobs, a neuroscientist and director of the Ann S. Bowers Women's Brain Health Initiative, emphasized the broader mission of the program.
“I’m thrilled to see the Public Voices Fellowship amplify the voices of scholars across UCSB’s campus. Sharing and celebrating the role of public universities in civil society matters now more than ever.”
Her words reflect the spirit of the fellowship — an initiative rooted in the belief that academic voices should play a leading role in shaping public discourse and driving societal progress.
Empowering A Variety of Voices to Promote A More Inclusive Future
The Public Voices Fellowship is a prestigious program aimed at changing who writes history. Fellows are not only trained in the art of op-ed writing but are also given the tools to engage with public programming. This year-long fellowship teaches scholars how to translate their big ideas into impactful pieces for a wider audience. It’s designed to ensure that their voices — and the ideas they champion — are accessible, relevant and influential in shaping public discourse.
Over the course of the year, fellows write a minimum of three op-eds, receiving personalized coaching from top journalists. The program is built around four core themes: Knowledge, Connection, Contagion and Legacy. These convenings guide fellows through the critical stages of sharing their expertise with the world. Fellows also participate in workshops covering various topics, including social media safety and effective communication strategies. A key component of the fellowship is trust-building, with opportunities for scholars to connect with one another over lunch and participate in group activities, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual support.
During convening two, which was held on May 29 and 30 and focused on the theme “Connection,” fellows discussed how good ideas are generated, and how to speed the pace of their development.
Daina Ramey Berry, Michael Douglas Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, has been instrumental in bringing the fellowship to UCSB. “Having co-directed this program at another institution, I’ve witnessed the power of the fellowship to transform careers,” she said. “This second cohort of fellows brings unique perspectives that are needed now more than ever. I’m excited to watch them grow and amplify their voices on national platforms.”
The Impact of the Fellowship: Personal Journeys and Public Engagement
The Public Voices Fellowship at UCSB is more than a training ground for writing — it is a transformative experience that empowers scholars to become influential public thought leaders. Through personalized coaching, mentorship, and a supportive community, fellows gain the skills and confidence to share their expertise beyond academia and engage with broader audiences on pressing societal issues.
Liz Carlisle, associate professor of environmental studies and a 2025 fellow, describes how the program has helped her not only refine her writing but also clarify her purpose as a public scholar. “In addition to boosting my writing and communication skills, the Public Voices Fellowship has helped me clarify my core purpose as a public scholar and educator. I'm feeling invigorated for the next stage of my career at UCSB, with a clearer road map for what I want to focus on, and an incredible new brain trust of inspiring colleagues from across campus.”
Elisabeth Weber, professor of German and comparative literature, brings to the fellowship her expertise in the representation of collective trauma in literature. “I was inspired to join the program, because I have been looking for ways to translate my research into a language more accessible to a larger public, given that the topics I work on very much concern concrete communities.” For Weber, one of the most profound lessons from the fellowship has been finding the courage to enter public discourse.
“The most valuable takeaway for me is to overcome the fear of getting myself out there.”
Citing Dean Berry, she adds “If you say things of consequence, there may be consequences. The alternative is to be inconsequential.”
Similarly, Adina Roskies, a distinguished professor of philosophy and new to UCSB, shares how the fellowship demystified the process of public-facing writing for her. “I have wanted to join the Public Voices program for many years — they were affiliated with my previous institution, and I had long intended to apply, but the timing never worked. Working with the Public Voices fellowship has provided a supportive environment of colleagues and editors that encourage me to put my thoughts out there. It is also a wonderful way to meet an amazing group of faculty in other fields at a new, big institution.”
Lisa Sideris, also in the 2025 cohort and professor of environmental studies, highlights the practical impact of the fellowship. “For a long time, I have wanted to reach wider audiences on issues related to science and the environment, to shape public conversations about things that I really care about. As an academic, you feel like you labor over writing things that few people ever read.”
“It’s very empowering to realize you can write something that might actually change people’s minds — and it doesn’t have to take months or years!”
Sideris also values the encouragement and camaraderie within the cohort, which sustained her through the process.
Hugo A. Loaiciga, a distinguished professor of geography and a member of the current cohort, shares his reflections on what drew him to the fellowship and its impact on his public scholarship.
“I wanted to share my knowledge outside my normal outlets, which are peer-reviewed journals that most people don’t read.”
Loaiciga emphasizes that newspapers are particularly interested in op-eds tied to hot, timely topics — stories that not only engage readers but also help drive their revenue. Beyond the skills gained, he values the community the fellowship fosters. “I have met talented colleagues. I have been surprised by how humane and sensitive they are to the current struggles on political change.”
Rebecca Vega Thurber, professor of ecology, evolution, and marine biology, describes the fellowship as a turning point in how she approaches public engagement. “I wanted to use my voice in a new way, one that is more immediately impactful,” she says. “So much of my work in science can feel impersonal, and I felt I was at a stage in my life to get more personal and put myself out there. I have some privilege to go on record about what I think is important and where I have some depth of knowledge.”
Vega Thurber emphasizes that the fellowship has not only deepened her understanding of public communication but also bolstered her confidence. “It gave me the knowledge — the tools of the trade — to best approach this new media form,” she explains. “It's made me reconsider my position in the science world and given me the know-how to feel confident enough to write more and be more impactful.”
For her, one of the most valuable takeaways has been the network of new relationships formed across disciplines. “I've been so lucky to have these new connections to seasoned journalists and to other colleagues on campus, people who I'd maybe never meet or engage or learn with without such an experience.”
Together, these testimonials reveal how the fellowship fosters not only the technical skills of writing but also builds a vital community of scholars supporting one another through the personal and professional complexities of public engagement. The fellowship's unique blend of mentorship, peer support, and practical guidance equips fellows to confidently bring their academic insights into the public sphere, inspiring change and expanding the impact of their work.
Introducing the 2025 HFA and MLPS Fellows
The 2025 cohort brings together 20 scholars from a variety of disciplines. Below are the outstanding fellows from the HFA and MLPS divisions.
Humanities and Fine Arts Scholars
Joseph Blankholm
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Joseph Blankholm investigates secularism and atheism in the U.S., focusing on nonbelievers' activism and experiences. His current work examines contradictions within secular identity and how this group navigates societal structures. Blankholm has conducted the largest-ever survey of organized nonbelievers in the U.S. and is a recognized expert cited in national media and legal cases.
Annie K. Lamar
Assistant Professor of Classics
Annie K. Lamar specializes in low-resource computational linguistics, with a focus on ancient Mediterranean languages, particularly archaic Greek. Her work explores machine learning for low-resource generative tasks and develops new metrics for data augmentation. She is director of the Low-Resource Language (LOREL) Lab at UCSB. Currently, she is using diachronic linguistic methods to analyze narratives and trace networks of forced displacement in the eastern Mediterranean.
Jason Ludwig
Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies
Jason Ludwig studies race, computing and politics in postwar America. His book, “Automating Blackness: Race, Computing, and Politics in the Postwar United States,” examines efforts to address racial inequality through computational tools. He holds a Ph.D. in science and technology studies from Cornell University, and his research has received support from the National Science Foundation and other foundations.
Adina Roskies
Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Adina Roskies is chair of the cognitive science graduate emphasis. She is trained in neuroscience and philosophy and has worked as senior editor of the journal “Neuron” and received numerous awards and fellowships. Her research focuses on philosophy of mind, neuroscience and ethics.
Elisabeth Weber
Professor of German and Comparative Literature
Elisabeth Weber explores trauma, memory and violence in European and South American philosophy and literature. Her work investigates how state-sanctioned violence, such as torture and drone warfare, impacts collective societal memory. For the last four years, she has taught in UCSB’s Interdisciplinary Humanities Center Prison Correspondence Program, which offers educational opportunities to individuals serving life sentences.
Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences Scholars
Liz Carlisle
Associate Professor, Environmental Studies Program
Liz Carlisle’s research examines regenerative farming, agroecology, and food policy, developed through close collaborations with farmers in Montana and shaped by her background in both agriculture and the humanities. Her work emphasizes climate resilience, social justice and soil health, and she communicates these themes through academic writing, books and public engagement.
Emily Jacobs
Associate Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences
Emily Jacobs’ research focuses on brain plasticity and how the human brain undergoes significant neuroanatomical changes throughout adulthood, particularly during pregnancy. As Director of the Ann S. Bowers Women's Brain Health Initiative, she combines cutting-edge neuroscience with public engagement to advance women's brain health and promote gender equity in STEM.
Hugo A. Loaiciga
Distinguished Professor of Geography
Hugo A. Loaiciga specializes in the water-energy-food nexus, focusing on sustainability in the context of growing populations and limited natural resources. He directs the Hydrology Laboratory at UCSB and has published extensively on water resource management. With four decades of teaching and public service, his work bridges scientific research and policy, supporting environmental protection at local, national and international levels.
Lisa H. Sideris
Professor and Vice-Chair of Environmental Studies
Lisa H. Sideris studies the ethical and spiritual significance of nature, exploring how environmental values intersect with religion and science. Her research addresses what it means to be human amid profound planetary change. She has written several books, and serves as President of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture.
Rebecca Vega Thurber
Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
Rebecca Vega Thurber studies the role of bacteria and viruses in marine ecosystems to better understand and prevent marine disease and habitat degradation. She directs UCSB’s Marine Science Institute and has published over 100 scientific publications. A recipient of the 2024 International Coral Reef Society Mid-Career Scientist Award, she actively engages public audiences through media and policy advocacy to promote marine conservation.
Introducing Our Full 2025 Public Voices Fellows Cohort
In addition to the HFA and MLPS fellows, the Public Voices Fellowship at UCSB proudly includes scholars from a wide array of disciplines across campus, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent participating in the program:
Andrew Jolivette, Professor of Sociology and American Indian and Indigenous Studies and affiliated with the Institute for Democratic Education and Culture;
David Lawson, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Applied Evolutionary Anthropology Lab;
Hui-Ling S. Malone, Assistant Professor of Education;
Sarah B. McClure, Professor of Anthropology;
Nina Miolane, Assistant Professor of AI in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director of Geometric Intelligence Lab, AI; Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Real AI Initiative;
John S. Park, Professor of Asian American Studies;
Mayra Puente, Assistant Professor of Higher Education Research, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education;
Jill Sharkey, Professor of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology and Associate Dean for Research and Outreach, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education;
Silvia Rodriguez Vega, Assistant Professor of Chicana/o Studies;
Hannah Wohl, Associate Professor of Sociology.
Looking Ahead
As the fellowship enters its second year at UCSB, it remains dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, cross-cohort community of Public Voices Fellows and deepening the program’s overall impact. The goal is to create lasting change in how public knowledge is shaped and who gets to contribute to the larger narrative. By supporting fellows in sharing their work with a wider audience, UCSB is empowering the next generation of thought leaders — scholars who are dedicated to transforming how we engage with complex issues like climate justice, education, health and social policy.
Through their work, these scholars are not just contributing to academic fields; they are becoming catalysts for social change, using their voices to make a difference in the world.
We look forward to the continued impact of this extraordinary group of individuals poised to lead the next wave of public scholarship.
For more information on the Public Voices Fellowship, or to follow the work of our fellows, please contact Liane Hernandez at liane@theopedproject.org or visit www.theopedproject.org.